Welcome Home Global Billikens Reception

Event Details: 4:00 p.m., August 28, Center for Global Citizenship

A silhouette of a man in Venice. Photo by Luke Yamnitz

The Office International Services will host a Welcome Home Global Billikens reception at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, in the Center for Global Citizenship. All returning spring 2014 study abroad students are invited to celebrate their global experiences during this welcome home reception. Students will have the opportunity to mingle with other returning study abroad students, explore the opportunities to remain active in the SLU global community and discover the resources available to help acclimate back to life on campus in St. Louis.

SLU is welcoming back more than 300 undergraduate students who spent the spring semester on five continents, in 17 different countries. These students explored, studied and lived in Italy, Australia, China, Belgium, Hungary, Denmark, Ecuador, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, England, France, South Africa, Tanzania, Austria, the Philippines and Spain.

Studying abroad is an exciting, challenging and rewarding adventure. In addition to expanding their worldview and gaining an appreciation and understanding of a different culture, students develop valuable and transferable skills that will help shape their personal, academic, and professional futures. Students master critical thinking, problem solving and flexibility, and gain a sense of independence, courage and self-confidence. Studying abroad is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shapes the future of Billikens as global citizens.

SLU students may choose from more than 40 SLU approved programs in more than 25 countries, and SLU academic tuition scholarships (except athletic scholarships) and financial aid apply for the semester that students are abroad. In addition to these semester study abroad programs, the Office of International Services continues to add programs and diversify destinations for students interested in short-term, semester and full year study abroad experiences. Each program provides a unique opportunity to experience a different culture and a different way of life.